Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution and Displacement of the Maxilla Following Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion with Tooth- and Bone-Borne Devices

O bjectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the displacement and stress distri- bution during surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion under different surgical conditions with tooth- and bone-borne devices. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of a maxilla was constructed and an expansion force of 100 N was applied to the left and right molars and premolars with tooth-borne devices and the left and right of mid-palatal sutures at the first molar level with bone-borne devices. Five CAD models were simulated as fol- lows and surgical procedures were used:  G1: control group (without surgery); G2: Le Fort I osteotomy; G3: Le Fort I osteotomy and para-median osteotomy; G4: Le Fort I osteotomy and pterygomaxillary separation; and G5: Le Fort I osteotomy, para-median osteotomy, and pterygomaxillary separation. R esults: Maxillary displacement showed a gradual increase from group 1 to group 5 in all three planes of space, indicating that Le Fort I osteotomy combined with para-me- dian osteotomy and pterygomaxillary separation produced the greatest displacement of the maxilla with both bone- and tooth-borne devices. Surgical relief and bone-borne devices resulted in significantly reduced stress on anchored teeth. C onclusion: Combination of Le Fort I and para-median osteotomy with pterygomaxil-lary separation seems to be an effective procedure for increasing maxillary expansion, and excessive stress side effects are lowered around the anchored teeth with the use of bone-borne devices.